Baseball Fan Loses Job After Threatening to Call ICE on Dodgers Supporter
In an unfortunate turn of events that unfolded at Milwaukee’s American Family Field, a heated exchange between baseball fans led to serious real-world consequences. Shannon Kobylarczyk, a passionate Milwaukee Brewers fan, found herself at the center of controversy after threatening to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a Los Angeles Dodgers supporter during Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. The incident, which was captured on video and quickly spread online, resulted in Kobylarczyk losing her job at ManpowerGroup, a Milwaukee-based staffing company, and resigning from her position on the Make-A-Wish Wisconsin board of directors. The confrontation escalated as the Brewers fell behind 4-1 in the seventh inning, highlighting how the intensity of sports fandom can sometimes lead to regrettable behavior.
The confrontation began when Ricardo Fosado, the Dodgers fan in question, recorded the subdued Milwaukee crowd, asking rhetorically why the stadium was “so quiet” as his team pulled ahead. Kobylarczyk responded with derogatory comments, questioning Fosado’s masculinity for not drinking beer like a “real man,” before turning to a fellow Brewers fan and suggesting they “call ICE.” When Fosado informed her that he was actually a United States citizen who had served in two wars, the exchange further deteriorated, with Kobylarczyk attempting to physically swipe at him. Fosado responded defensively, saying, “ICE is not gonna do nothing to me. Good luck. Call ICE, call them,” before using an expletive. The incident reflects the unfortunate reality that xenophobic sentiments can surface even in settings meant for entertainment and community enjoyment.
What makes this story particularly complex is Fosado’s own perspective on the aftermath. Despite being on the receiving end of the discriminatory comments, Fosado expressed compassion toward Kobylarczyk after learning she had lost her job. “I don’t think it was like horrible or something that should get her fired. I feel bad for her,” he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We cannot be judged on one mistake and a lot of emotions were involved. It was just hurt feelings; nobody physically hurt anybody.” This gracious response from someone who signed up for military service after 9/11 and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan demonstrates remarkable empathy in the face of personal disrespect, offering a powerful counterpoint to the initial confrontation.
The incident took another turn when, according to Fosado, Kobylarczyk reported him to stadium security, resulting in his ejection from the game. The Milwaukee Brewers later clarified in a statement to Fox News Digital that both fans were ejected from the stadium, with Fosado being removed “for actions apart from the events depicted in this video,” citing disorderly conduct and public intoxication. The team emphasized their expectation that all attendees behave respectfully, stating, “The Brewers expect all persons attending games to be respectful of each other, and we do not condone in any way offensive statements fans make to each other about race, gender, or national origin.” The organization further noted that their priority is ensuring all fans have “a safe and enjoyable experience at the ballpark.”
The Brewers’ response underscores the broader challenge sports venues face in maintaining a welcoming environment while managing the passionate emotions that sports can evoke. In their statement, the team mentioned that Kobylarczyk had become “physical in the course of her interactions with the person who was ejected,” suggesting the confrontation went beyond verbal exchanges. Ultimately, the Brewers declared that neither Fosado nor Kobylarczyk would be welcome back to the ballpark, drawing a clear line regarding acceptable behavior at their games. This incident serves as a reminder of how sports organizations increasingly find themselves navigating complex social issues that extend beyond the playing field.
As the National League Championship Series continues, with the Dodgers leading 2-0 and needing just two more wins in the next five games to advance to their second consecutive World Series, this sideline story provides a sobering reflection on the intersection of sports, identity, and civil discourse in America. While passionate fandom is part of what makes sports compelling, this incident reminds us of the importance of maintaining respect and dignity even in competitive environments. Fosado’s military service and citizenship status had no bearing on his right to enjoy the game, just as Kobylarczyk’s frustration with her team’s performance didn’t justify xenophobic remarks. As the series heads back to Los Angeles, perhaps this unfortunate exchange will prompt reflection among fans about how we can celebrate our teams without diminishing the humanity of those who cheer for the opposition.
